There's A Saying In The Space Business That Will Make You Rethink Risk

That's how retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield opened his
TED 2014 talk in Vancouver on Monday evening.

Hadfield is an expert when it comes to facing
danger.

In space travel, Hadfield said, "there is no problem so bad you
can't make it worse." He was referring to a popular phrase in the
astronaut business.

It makes you rethink your concept of risk and danger on
Earth.

During liftoff, Hadfield said, "you are in the grip of something
vastly more powerful than yourself." He added: "It feels like
being in the jaws of an enormous dog and a foot in your back
pushing you into space."

When dealing with such complicated machinery, the only thing you
can do is prepare.

"Having the goal in mind directed me to thinking about all
of the small details," Hadfield said.